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Why Simeone Zaza Will Surprise Everyone This Season

After months of talking about a big signing, West Ham did not have to spend big to bring Simone Zaza from Juventus. The forward has joined on a loan deal initially, but the hammers have the opportunity to convert this into a permanent move depending on the player’s performances. There are already signs that Zaza could turn out to be a surprise just like Dimitri Payet.

Even though Payet’s talent was apparent to be seen, clubs did not have the courage to take a gamble on the French midfielder until West Ham last season. Payet has been a huge hit, although chairman David Sullivan’s valuation of £100 million for the player is over the top. The precise balls supplied to the forwards by Payet has been a huge factor in West Ham almost qualifying for the Europa League group stages this season. There is every possibility that history could repeat itself with Zaza.

The striker only managed to score 5 goals in 19 league appearances last season for Juventus. However, most of his opportunities came as a substitute with the player only starting five league matches.

Slaven Bilic has tried to calm things down by saying that the player needs more time to settle into life in English football. The statement from the West Ham manager was very much expected, but the club’s tradition of unlikely new signings becoming an instant hit could very well continue with Zaza. Just when West Ham seemed to sign Wilfried Bony – someone who is experienced in English football, they bring in a relative unknown in the form of Zaza.

One of the reasons for West Ham to be superiorly confident in the new striker is his record with his previous clubs like Sassuolo. In his final season with Sassuolo, Zaza managed to come up with 11 goals in the league. It is often said that the Premier League is a tough place for a newcomer, but the same actually holds true for less skilful players. They have to improve their strength levels in order to compete in this league, but the truly talented names can let their feet do all the talking.